Solar energy is free, abundant and sustainable, with many methods existing to harness it. This guide is the essential introduction to the subject, explaining how the technologies work, how best they should be employed, and the costs and benefits of using them. It provides detailed yet accessible coverage of:passive solar building solar water heating solar space heating other solar thermal applications (such as cooling and desalination) grid-connected photovoltaics stand-alone photovoltaics.It also introduces the reader to larger scale applications such as concentrating solar power. Highly illustrated in full colour, this is the perfect primer for anyone who wants to work with or simply learn more about solar technologies.